Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment. 

 

 

Varicose veins are a common issue nowadays and females are at higher risk than males. The use of grape seed for varicose veins has been found to be an effective alternative treatment for many years. It is the potent antioxidant action of grape seed that is assumed to have the potential for the treatment of varicose veins and its associated symptoms such as swelling and pain. 

In this article, we’ll be exploring the effects of using grapeseed for varicose veins along with how to use it and important precautions. But before we get into the discussion of how the grape seed can help with varicose veins, it’s important to know the fundamentals of varicose veins a little bit more. So, let’s get started.  

Table of contents 

• What are varicose veins? 
• Symptoms of varicose veins
• Causes of varicose veins 
• What are grape seeds? 
• Benefits of grape seed for varicose veins 
• How to use grape seed extract 
• Precautions and side effects 
• Final words 

What are varicose veins? 

Varicose veins, otherwise called varicosities or varicoses, are enlarged and twisted veins that are overfilled and dilated with blood. Veins that are superficial or close to the surface of the skin can become varicosed. They appear as red- or bluish-purple-colored raised and swollen veins. Varicose veins most prevalently occur in the lower legs because walking or standing enhances the pressure in the legs and their veins. Though varicose veins may affect any person regardless of gender, women are more prone to get this condition. 

Symptoms of varicose veins 

Varicose veins may occur with or without pain. 

Symptoms of varicose veins without pain include: 

• Veins that are blue or bluish-purple 
• Veins that appear raised and twisted, often look like bent cords on the affected part

Symptoms of varicose veins with pain may include: 

• Pain and heavy feeling in the affected area 
• Swelling and muscle cramping with throbbing or burning sensation
• Skin color changes around the affected veins 
• A feeling of itching around the affected veins 
• Pain may worsen after standing or sitting for a longer period 

Causes of varicose veins 

Varicose veins mainly occur when your valves in veins become weak or damaged. Usually, arteries transfer blood from the heart towards the whole body, and veins return blood from the body to the heart. There are tiny valves in the veins that open to allow blood flows toward the heart and then close to stop blood from flowing backward. When these tiny valves become weak or damaged, blood flows backward and gets stuck in some veins, causing those veins to bulge and twist. 

A long-term problem with returning blood from the body to the heart is medically known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a leading cause of varicose veins and its associated symptoms such as pain and swelling.   

A number of factors may contribute to causing weak or damaged veins, such as: 

• Obesity or excess weight 
• Aging 
• Hormones 
• Restrictive clothing 
• Excess pressure in the veins due to standing for a long time 

What are grape seeds? 

Grape seeds are seeds in grapes that have been used in several traditional medicines for thousands of years, particularly in the form of extracts that come from the ground-up seeds. A grape seed extract has been shown to have the potential for the treatment of a number of health issues, especially those related to cardiovascular conditions such as varicose veins, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It is also beneficial in eye diseases and swelling caused by injury.   

Benefits of grape seed for varicose veins 

The grape seed extract is rich in powerful antioxidants, particularly oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes commonly known as OPCs that have been shown to have a favorable influence on blood vessels. 

The potent antioxidant actions of grape seed extract are hugely helpful in reducing and preventing damage to vein valves caused by free radicals. Furthermore, grape seed extract has an incredible ability to make veins more elastic and less likely to leak to any fluids that can increase the risk of swelling and twisting of veins. These activities of grape seed extract may hugely help with managing and preventing symptoms associated with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) including swelling and pain. 

How to use grape seed extract 

The grape seed extract is available in various supplementary forms including capsules and liquid drops. Doses of grape seed extracts for varicose veins and other related symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency vary depending on the severity and specific health conditions. In general, doses range from 100 mg to 600 mg per day. 

It’s recommended to consult with a qualified dietician or natural medicine practitioner and take grape seed extract supplements as professionally advised.  

Precautions and side effects 

The grape seed extract is likely safe and well-tolerated for most people when taken in recommended doses. Still, some people may experience mild side effects such as headache, stomach pain, itchiness, and sore throat. But these are not common. 

Besides, grape seed extract may interfere with the way certain medications work particularly those that are broken down in the liver. People who are taking anticoagulants or other blood thinners should avoid grape seed extract since it may also act as a blood thinner and increase the risk of bleeding. Anyone who has a sensitivity to grapes should also avoid grape seed extract supplements. 

The effects of grape seed extracts on pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been widely reviewed. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to start grape seed extract for varicose veins or other health benefits only under direct medical supervision especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medications for any underlying health conditions.  

Final words 

Grape seed extract contains powerful antioxidants that may help in various cardiovascular conditions including chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a type of poor circulation that causes varicose veins and other associated symptoms. It has a significant ability to reduce vein valve damage caused by free radicals.

Moreover, it may help make veins more elastic and prevent fluid leaks that cause swollen and twisted veins associated with varicose veins. Though grape seed extract is likely safe and well-tolerable, it’s always a best practice to consult with a qualified dietician or nutritionist and take as professionally prescribed.

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Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Premium Grape Seed Extract 36000 mg Capsules with Added Polyphenols

Important resources:

1. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4722-varicose-veins
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/varicose-veins
5. https://www.thehealthy.com/nutrition/vitamins/grape-seed-extract-benefits/
6. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/grape-seed-extract#:~:text=Background,wound%20healing%2C%20and%20reducing%20inflammation.
7. https://varicoseveins.org/blog/2015/04/grapes-for-varicose-veins-miracle-or-lie/
8. https://aor.ca/are-there-natural-options-for-varicose-veins/
9. https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/health-centers/women/womens-health-tip-what-works-for-varicose-veins/
10. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-benefits-of-grape-see_b_646688
11. https://www.webmd.com/diet/grape-seed-extract